Warring Madonna and Guy Ritchie will settle son’s future in US courts

The future of Rocco Ritchie, son of warring couple Guy Ritchie and pop star Madonna, will be settled in the U.S. courts. A judge sitting at the British High Court today ruled Madonna could end English-based proceedings and that the matter should return to America. However, Mr Justice MacDonald warned it would be a “very great tragedy” if any more of the “precious and fast receding days” of their 15-year-old son’s childhood were taken up by a custody dispute. Rocco has been defying U.S. court orders to continue to stay with his father in London as the former showbiz couple continue an increasingly bitter and acrimonious fight over his future.

For all the media coverage, comment and analysis, this is a case born out of circumstances that arise for countless separated parents the world over.

Mr Justice MacDonald

The judge analysed the latest round of the dispute at a private hearing in the Family Division of the High Court in London earlier this month. He was asked to decide whether he should allow English proceedings to draw to a close - or whether he should make decisions about Rocco’s welfare. No one involved was in court when the ruling was handed down but Mr Justice MacDonald pleaded with 57-year-old Madonna and Ritchie to try to settle the dispute. He added: “I renew, one final time, my plea for the parents to seek, and to find, an amicable resolution to the dispute between them.” Madonna has recently showed erratic behaviour on stage attributed to her dismay at the situation.

Far better for each of his parents to spend that time enjoying, in turn, the company of the mature, articulate and reflective young man who is their son and who is a very great credit to them both.

Mr Justice MacDonald

Madonna Ritchie